ASG or air rifle - which to choose?
If you are still facing the choice and wondering what is better ASG or air rifle - you are in the right place. In this guide we will introduce you to the subject of one and the other, show you the similarities and significant differences between them. So we invite you to read on.
What is an ASG?
At the outset, we would like to clarify the meaning of the abbreviation ASG, or - from English - Air Soft Gun. Generally speaking, these are all kinds of replicas of firearms (usually in 1:1 scale) with an approximate principle of operation to the real "sharp" counterparts, but shooting plastic or rubber, (less often metal) balls. Airsoft BBs are usually of "caliber" 6 mm.
The weight and mode of action of replicas are similar, and may even be almost identical to sharp weapons. A great example would be gas replicas with a blow-back system, in which the lock locks after the last shot.
Depending on the power supply used, they can be: gas, spring or electric, but more on that later.
The history of ASG - or how it began
The idea and first copies of ASG were developed in Japan after the end of World War II. Due to legal restrictions on the possession of firearms, a substitute was invented for training purposes. ASG pistols and airsoft rifles allowed both the military and shooting clubs to train and improve their shooting. Their use made it possible to conduct drills without the need for real weapons, which provided greater safety while maintaining the realism of a real exchange of fire between participants.
In the mid-1990s, the fashion for ASG reached Europe. Nowadays, replica shooting is treated as a kind of team sport in which anyone, regardless of age, can participate. Such games are referred to as Airsoft. It is a great way to de-stress after a hard day at work.
In our legislation, ASG pistols and carbines are not classified as weapons - their kinetic energy of the projectile does not exceed 17J.
Although ASG pistols and carbines are deceptively similar to real weapons - they do not require permits. They usually have a low energy of 1 to 5J. It is far more popular to determine the power of airsoft replicas based on the discharge velocity measured in feet per second - FPS (feet per second, where 1fps = 0.3048 m/s). These values can vary, depending on the model of the pistol, revolver or carbine, and even the weight of the balls used.
Briefly on the subject of wind turbines
Wind guns are unlikely to require any preliminary commentary. They are produced in short versions (pistols, revolvers) and long versions - carbines. The most popular are piston-type windcheaters, also known as spring-type, where a stretched spring generates kinetic energy, the piston compresses the air and gives the bullet its exit velocity. Various gas-powered versions - such as PCP or PCA - are also increasingly common.
In the production of air rifles, there is not as much emphasis on the reproduction of details relative to real firearms as there is with ASG.
Wind guns shoot shotguns - with calibers ranging from 4.5mm, 5.5mm to 9mm (rarely larger) - and this distinguishes them from ASGs. They can be used for recreational, sporting, as well as hunting purposes.
As with ASGs, they do not require a permit - as long as they do not exceed 17J.
However, the more powerful models can exceed 17J - especially those intended for professional shooting or hunting. They are then considered air weapons and as such already require registration. While this is just a formality, it is required by law:
"Art.9 item4. Pneumatic weapons may be possessed on the basis of a registration card for pneumatic weapons issued by the district police chief in charge of the place of permanent residence of the person concerned or the seat of the subject concerned, and in the case of professional soldiers - the competent chief of the Military Police branch."
Pneumatic carbines, as well as pistols, are used in sports shooting, for example, at the Olympics or other shooting competitions.
They are also great for recreational shooting in the garden or on a plot. Their general availability, as well as the variety of prices, will allow you to choose the right model for the predisposition of any shooter, even a younger one. In some countries, wind guns are also commonly used as a tool for hunting small game or for shooting off rodents and pests. Just remember that this is not legal in every country!
For whom an air rifle, for whom an ASG?
Wind guns and ASG carbines have many features in common. They can also have similar applications.
Depending on the purpose for which we will use the carbine or pistol, the choice should be well thought out.
If it is to be mainly for fun (including with minors) we recommend an ASG with a lower discharge speed, up to 200fps. Such a variant allows you to become familiar with the "gun" and shooting techniques. It will be great for smaller spaces, where we do not have a fenced and secured area - for example, in the garden. Plastic balls do not pose a threat like shotgun shells do. Younger participants can take part in the game together with adults. However, it is necessary to keep in mind the safety of yourself and others. We recommend buying safety glasses, even an ASG replica used incorrectly - can cause harm.
As you gain experience and skill, the ASG gun can be exchanged for a carbine with higher fps. You can then increase the distance from which you shoot. Additional scopes are available for carbines, allowing more accurate aiming from a distance.
Once you get bored with solo play and decide to participate in a multiplayer airsoft game, it's worth considering rapid-fire models, allowing you to shoot - in bursts. Such carbines usually have a very capacious magazine, allowing you to play without frequent refilling of bullets.
The average power is determined by replicas with a discharge speed of about 300 FPS. Usually this is also the limit power of replicas in organized CQB (Close Quarter Battle) events, i.e. fighting in closed rooms or in general: at close ranges. These are very often held in abandoned buildings, production halls or fields with pre-prepared obstacles. It is also a very sensible power in case you are looking for a so-called side/add-on replica. Where the main weapon is a rifle, and when entering a building it is often more convenient to pull out a gun, which is easier to maneuver in a tight space and whose lower (than a rifle) power, will not put anyone in danger and spoil the fun.
The most powerful replicas have a power of about 400 FPS or more. They are used for shooting in open areas, at long distances. The average distance at which we conduct repetitive firing with such carbines is about 50-60m. However, it should be remembered that these are approximate values. Performance is strongly dependent on factors such as wind, type and weight of bullets not to mention the performance of the replicas themselves. It is also worth adding that we are talking here about accuracy "in silhouette". At such distances, hitting anywhere on the target or the enemy will count as an accurate shot. In the case of airsoft, we should not set ourselves up for typical target shooting "on point", although this is not completely excluded.
What's more powerful an air rifle or an ASG?
Wind guns are much more powerful in terms of kinetic energy than ASGs, so we can't use them for so-called shooters. They can cause harm, especially those with high power.
The difference in power is huge and especially significant if we compare carbines of both categories with each other. Shotguns, steel balls or diabolo, are much more suitable for typical target shooting. They have different ballistic properties; shotgun shooting more closely resembles the physics of a firearm. The choice should fall on air rifles when dealing with more mature users. As with ASGs, short versions of airguns are ideal for beginners. They are designed for shooting from a short distance from the target.
Carbines - depending on the power - allow you to fire shots located as far as 100 - 200 meters. Remember that for longer distances it is better to use 5.5mm instead of 4.5mm shot already.
We hope that this guide will help you choose the right equipment for your needs. In our online store militaria.pl - you will find a huge selection of products from the shooting category. You will also buy a complete outfit, necessary for the shooting, and the necessary protective accessories.
Remember that each country has different regulations on the power of windcheaters "without a permit". Before buying, check what limits are stipulated by the country you are in.
